Make this adorable citronella torch lamp/lamp to keep mosquitoes away from your family!
If you’ve ever lived or visited the sunshine state in the summer you know what misery feels like. The summer heat is brutal in Florida. The afternoon thunderstorms cool everything off a bit but come with a nasty side effect. Mosquitos!
Related: 7 Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes
The sun beats down on you while the humidity drowns you in your own sweat. Then the mosquitoes come to feast.
Needless to say, we tend to start our barbecues late in the day which is the worst time to do it. Thanks to daylight savings time, the sun still beams down until nearly 9 pm in the summer!
The biggest drawback — Florida is teeming with mosquitoes! And the news is teeming with scary illnesses spread by mosquitoes.
Here are 4 DIY hacks for dealing with bugs so that everyone stays comfortable — and longer! — at your summer get-togethers.
Before You Rely on DIY Mosquito Repellents
DIY mosquito ideas can make an outdoor party feel more comfortable, but they should not replace an EPA-registered insect repellent when mosquito bites are a real concern. For reliable bite protection, especially for kids, follow current CDC guidance and use repellents according to the product label.
This post shares simple outdoor comfort ideas, including a citronella torch, party setup tips, and after-bite comfort ideas. Use common sense around open flames, essential oils, and children, and choose a registered repellent when you need dependable mosquito protection.
4 Tips for Late-Night Summer Parties
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#1 Scare away mosquitoes with this cute DIY citronella torch
I love this adorable upcycled “DIY Tiki Torch”!
It takes minutes to make and everyone will love it!
Materials:
- glass vase or decorative bottle (I got this one at a thrift store for under a buck!)
- Tiki torch oil/(citronella scent)
- Torch replacement wicks (you can get them with the couplings!)
- plumber tape
Directions:
Insert the wick into the brass coupling. Make sure only 1/4 inch is showing past the coupling. You don’t want the wick too far up or it will be dangerous.
Line it up to the bottle and trim wick.
Wrap plumber’s tape around the part of the coupling that will go into the bottle. Keep wrapping tape until the coupling fits snugly in the bottle.
Pour citronella oil into the bottle.
Insert the wick.
Allow to soak up the oil.
Light it and enjoy your evening!
(hint: I use a pint size mason jar to extinguish the flame. Simply place the jar over the flame and the fire is out!)
This hack lets your party continue on!
#2 Set out a light outdoor spray station
I used to make a simple outdoor spray because I liked the scent and the ritual of having something fresh near the patio. However, homemade essential oil sprays are not the same as EPA-registered insect repellents, and they may not provide reliable protection from mosquito bites.
If mosquitoes are heavy or you are worried about bites, use a registered repellent according to the label instead of relying only on a homemade spray.
Materials:
- 2oz amber spray bottle
- distilled water
- witch hazel
- 20 drops Purify essential oil
- 20 drops of Citronella essential oil
Directions:
Pour distilled water into the spray bottle until it is halfway full.
Add witch hazel until you reach an inch from the top of the bottle.
Add your essential oils.
Shake vigorously. Apply over your skin! I like to spray it into my hands and rub it on the kids.
#3 Grab a bunch of fresh rosemary and throw it into the fire pit or barbecue grill!
The smoke from the burning rosemary repels mosquitoes!
#4 Make itch relief wipes
Just in case all these precautions aren’t enough to protect one of your sweet-tasting guests from a mosquito bite, having these easy-to-make itch-relief wipes on hand will take the sting out of the bite. These tips help us enjoy spending time together late into the evening.
But don’t forget to be prepared for long-lasting summer parties!
Summer Mom Must-Have
If your summer evenings usually involve backyard dinners, kids running through the yard, mosquitoes, and one tired mom trying to keep everyone comfortable, you may also like my summer mom-inspired tumbler.
It is an easy little gift for the mom who is hosting the barbecue, packing the sports bag, chasing kids outside, and trying to enjoy a few peaceful minutes before the mosquitoes find her.
More Easy Summer and Wipe Ideas
Great blog over all! Mosquitos in Europe are really aggresive, so thank you for these super helpful tips!
This is a great post. Excellent tips! I appreciate the multiple ideas to keep the mosquitos away! They can be so bad – and even more so with little ones outdoors!
Rosemary in the fire pit? genius!!